Sunday, 15 May 2011

COASTGUARD HELICOPTER SCRAMBLED TO BIPLANE CRASH

At just after 3pm this afternoon the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter ‘Rescue 106’ from Portland was scrambled to the site of an aircraft crash involving a biplane near Witchampton in Dorset. The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was also put on standby.

The biplane, a Tiger Moth with two persons onboard had crashed in a field whilst on a flight from the nearby Compton Abbas airfield. It is believed they were also intending to return back to the same airfield. The two men onboard were reported to be in a serious condition and were assessed on scene by paramedics from South West Ambulance service who requested immediate helicopter evacuation. Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were also on scene and assisted with the extraction of the casualties from the wreckage.

One of the two casualties was airlifted by the Coastguard Helicopter to Dorset County Hospital where he was met by Wyke Regis Coastguard Rescue Officers, and the other was taken to Salisbury Hospital by the Dorset Police Helicopter.

-Ends –

Notes to Editors

Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch